Yulianna Poroshyna is an international student who came to France, at Esdes Business School to study in our Bachelor in Business. She wrote this article.
Studying in France as an international student is an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to plan your budget carefully. From tuition fees to daily living expenses,
understanding the costs involved will help you prepare financially and make smart choices. Here’s an overview of the expenses you should expect, along with some tips (and personal struggles) on how to survive without going broke.
The first major cost is tuition. Business schools in France typically charge higher fees than public universities. Here’s what you can expect:
Tuition Fees: Business school fees can range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the program and institution. Esdes Business School, for example, has tuition fees that align with this range. But why Esdes? Because beyond the cost, it offers a great balance of academic excellence, strong student support, and real career opportunities through partnerships with companies.
Some schools require an application fee, which can be around €100 to €200 (yes, you even have to pay before they say no!).
If you are a non-EU student, you’ll need a long-stay student visa
(VLS-TS), which costs about €99.
Once in France, you must validate your visa, which can involve
additional administrative fees (because French bureaucracy loves paperwork!).
The price of a plane ticket depends on your country of departure, the time of year, and how early you book.
Average flight ticket: Expect to pay between €300 and €1,000 for a one-way ticket.
Many airlines charge extra for checked baggage, so check before booking (trust me, I heard this from the hard way when my friend's extra suitcase cost more than his ticket!).
Once in France, getting from the airport to your accommodation will cost around €10 to €50, depending on the city and transport option.
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses, but there are several options:
Student Residences (CROUS or Private): Rent is usually between €250 and €600 per
month.
Personal Tip: If you don’t want to spend your entire budget on rent, consider living a bit outside the city center. You’ll get more space for less money and still be well-connected by public transport! Plus, Esdes has great partnerships to help students find affordable housing, so you won’t be left searching on random Facebook groups.
Survival Tip: Take advantage of student discounts everywhere. Museums, cinemas, and even some shops offer discounts—just flash your student card and save those euros!
Another reason why I chose Esdes? They provide a lot of student association activities and events, meaning I can enjoy student life without spending too much.